Although The Pasta House Co. opens on the main campus this week, the University opened another restaurant last week–this time in the Salus Center’s Water Tower Inn.

Salute, an Italian word for toasting one’s health, opened Nov. 8 in the lower level of the Water Tower Inn, located at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Interstate 44.

The restaurant, operated by Chartwells Dining Service, will be open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sunday.

“The administration always wanted [Water Tower Inn] to be a full-service hotel; this is the last step,” explained Salute executive chef Martin George.

The restaurant features a complete menu, which George describes as “continental,” including pasta, chicken, beef, veal and seafood dishes.

Dinner prices range from $8.95 to $16.95. A lighter selection of sandwiches and salads can be ordered from the bar menu.

George believes the restaurant will serve a variety of groups, whether those visiting SLU or its hospital.

“In that area there are not a lot of places to go if you don’t know the St. Louis area,” George said. “For now, the restaurant will be popular due to necessity and will grow from there.”

Despite only opening last week, George said that business has been good, and they recently received their first catering opportunity for a Christmas party.

While Salute is only open for dinner, the Salus Center also includes a cafeteria offering continental breakfast to hotel guests and a lunch menu.

George, with 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, recently joined the Chartwells staff when they acquired the University dining contract last year.

He has worked with the project since his arrival and has provided training for the chefs while also developing the menu.

Salute hours may be extended, George said, if the patrons request it. Also, a shuttle to Billiken games is being considered.